Trump noted that countries such as China, Japan, France, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, which rely on oil supplies through this strait, could work together with U.S. naval forces to ensure the safety of shipping in the region.
However, none of the mentioned countries have responded with specific commitments so far.
According to Al Jazeera, Chris Wright, the U.S. Secretary of Energy, stated in an interview with NBC that he is in dialogue with some of the countries mentioned by Trump and expressed hope that China would take a constructive approach to the issue of reopening the strait.
Nevertheless, Barbara Slavin, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, expressed doubt about the possibility of sending Chinese warships to support the U.S. She noted, "I don't believe China will send its forces to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as Iranian oil is successfully reaching China without this."
Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, discussed with Trump the importance of ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz to prevent disruptions in international trade. He also separately spoke about this with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
According to the BBC, Japan, which views the U.S. as its main ally, has not yet given an official response to Trump's call. However, sources in the Japanese government told NHK that this issue may be discussed during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Sanae Takachi to the U.S.
As for France, its government has also not provided an official response to Trump's call, but a few hours after Trump's statement, the French Foreign Ministry denied rumors of sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz.
In Seoul, Trump's request has not yet been commented on.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told the Financial Times that, thanks to negotiations between New Delhi and Tehran, two Indian tankers were able to safely pass through the strait on Saturday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview with CBS that several countries have approached Tehran with requests to ensure the safe passage of their vessels; however, the final decision on this matter is made by the military.
The Atlantic reports that the Trump administration was surprised that Iran, which has been attacked by the U.S. and Israel, responded by targeting shipping in the Persian Gulf. The deployment of U.S. warships could help protect oil supplies but would also make them vulnerable. The Trump administration is understandably wary of this step. The United States is facing challenges as Iran has raised strategic issues that the Trump administration apparently was not prepared for.
Since the beginning of the conflict, according to international maritime services, at least ten oil tankers have fallen victim to attacks or reported incidents since February 28. Currently, about a thousand tankers are unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
